Page 124 of The Way We Touch

The auditorium bursts into cheers, with everyone rising to their feet. I jump up and down clapping.

Tears are in my eyes as I grab Craig’s arm. “Tell me we got that on video!”

“Of course.” He wraps an arm around me in a hug.

The dancers all return to the stage for their bows, then Mia and Austin motion for me to join them. I almost feel guilty walking out there, like I’m taking away from their spotlight.

As soon as I emerge from behind the curtain, a low voice breaks into a yell, and I duck. Covering my face with my hands, I laugh as I see Logan on his feet, clapping as hard as he can like my biggest cheerleader.

Holding up my hand, I cross my thumb and index finger, giving him our signal, and he does it right back to me.

Mia’s mother is in the wings, crying and mouthing Thank you, and I put my arms around my young dancers as we all bow together. Mrs. Laverne pats my back, and Kimmie Joy runs to jump into my arms.

The curtains fall, and Logan was right. I took the first, trembling step. I was brave enough to face my fears, and love has healed the loss.

The Christmas tree glows with white twinkle lights, and candles are on the hearth above the fireplace. Cinnamon and pine scent the air, and I’m sitting on the floor facing Logan like we did that night on the beach so long ago.

I remember him holding my hands and saying he wanted me to be his girl. He wanted me to be on the sidelines cheering for him. It’s a treasured memory I replayed in my heart so many times when we were apart.

“I was so proud of you tonight.” Logan takes my hands in both of his, and I gaze deeply into his blue eyes. “Those kids were really good, and they looked like they were having fun, too.”

My heart squeezes, and I reach for his cheek, leaning forward to kiss his soft lips. “Thank you. I’m not sure I’d have done it without your encouragement.”

“I have two gifts for you this year.”

“What?” My eyebrows shoot up. “I only got you one.”

“You shouldn’t have gotten me any.”

“But I did.” Pulling the small bag from my pocket, I take his hand. “I was walking by the bay and this girl was selling handmade leather jewelry.”

He exhales a soft laugh. “Hey, I know that girl.”

Taking the chunky, dark leather band from the pouch, I slide it onto the third finger of his left hand. “I got her to stamp it with a ghost pepper here.” Then I turn it. “And here it says, Mine.”

Lifting his hand, he turns it, inspecting the ring. “I like this a lot.”

He cups my face in his hands and pulls me closer for a kiss, parting my lips and sweeping his tongue inside to find mine. The touch sends heat burning to my core, and I exhale a whimper.

When he lifts his head, his eyes hold mine with so much intensity. “I was going to wait and do this second, but I can’t.”

My brow furrows. “Okay?”

“I love you, Dylan. I’ve said it before, but every time I say it, with every day that passes, it grows stronger.” Lowering his hands, he shakes his head. “I didn’t even think that was possible the first time I said it, but it’s true. You’re the best thing that’s ever come into my life, and I never want to spend another day without you in it.”

A knot rises into my throat. “What are you saying?”

His large hand slips into his pocket, and I can’t breathe as he takes out a small, robin’s-egg blue pouch with the words Tiffany & Co. stamped on it. My fingers tremble as I watch him pull it open and slide out a sparkling, princess-cut diamond with a brilliant pavé diamond band.

Tears are in my eyes as he lifts my finger so gently. “Will you marry me, Dylan Bradford? I talked to Jack, and he said it was a good idea. Garrett wanted to know why I waited so long. Zane said we make a good match?—”

“You asked all my brothers?” I exhale a laugh.

My heart is beating so fast, I can’t breathe right, and a tear falls onto my cheek.

His brow furrows. “I know they’re important to you. I didn’t have a chance to talk to Hendrix, but I didn’t want to wait any longer.”

Leaning forward, I place my hands on the sides of his neck. “You don’t have to talk to anybody—my answer is yes!”

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